A Socio-Linguistic Analysis of the Saudi Individuals’ Attitudes towards the Perceived Shift from Modern Standard Arabic to Najdi Arabic in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study investigates attitudes towards the perceived shift of Najdi Arabic (NA) into domains traditionally dominated by Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) among Saudi individuals. Focusing on education, media, and social interaction contexts, the research examines how demographic factors such as gender, geographic location, age, and education level influence these attitudes. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative questionnaire data with qualitative open-ended responses. The findings reveal a notable shift in attitudes favouring NA across all three domains. Mean scores for attitudes towards NA were consistently higher than those for MSA in education (2.82 vs. 2.14), media (3.07 vs. 2.03), and social interactions (3.15 vs. 2.14). This shift was most pronounced in social interactions and media, with education showing a smaller but significant preference for NA. Interestingly, the study found no significant differences in attitudes based on gender, region of upbringing, or region of residence. However, education level demonstrated significant correlations with attitudes, with higher education levels associated with less favourable attitudes towards NA. Qualitative data revealed several themes underlying these attitudes, including perceptions of NA's linguistic features, its cultural significance, and its role in expressing national identity. These findings suggest a complex and changing linguistic landscape in Saudi Arabia, reflecting broader social and cultural transformations. The study contributes to ongoing discussions about diglossia, language attitudes, and linguistic prestige in Arabic-speaking societies. It has implications for language policy and planning in Saudi Arabia, particularly in education and media. The research also provides a foundation for understanding the evolving role of regional dialects in constructing national identity within the Arab world.